Bucerías is a small, charming, and quiet beach town on Mexico’s magical Pacific coast’s north shore of Bahía de Banderas – a horseshoe-shaped coastline hugging the Bay. Bucerias is in the State of Nayarit, a region in Mexico famous for stunning beaches. Its vibrant culture has a laid-back and authentic Mexican vibe reminiscent of simpler times.
Bucerias Nayarit, which is considered the Wind Capital of the Riviera Nayarit sits about the midpoint between –
- Puerto Vallarta in the State of Jalisco is Mexico’s second most popular tourist destination and 11 miles from Puerto Vallarta’s Airport.
- Sayulita – another Pacific coastal town known for its beaches and strong surf.
Source
Bucerias Nayarit was founded nearly a century ago as a fishing village but is now a favorite destination for vacationers, tourists, and Canadian/American ex-pats, which creates a warm, welcoming, and diverse community. Many people say this hidden gem offers what Puerto Vallarta offered during the 1950s, a welcome reprieve from the modern hustle and bustle of more popular metro tourist destinations.
Bucerias Mexico is the kind of quaint town where you can unwind and stroll at your pace through cobblestone streets dotted with colorful houses, boutiques, art galleries, outdoor markets, and delicious gourmet cuisine, all amid an authentic local culture. The accommodations in Bucerias Mexico are diverse, with something for everyone – from beachfront resorts (with only one mega-resort) to vacation rentals, ex-pat condo owners, boutique hotels, and other budget-friendly options.
Check out these 18 unforgettable things to do in and around Bucerias, Mexico.
18 Unforgettable Things to Do in Bucerias, Mexico for Every Traveler
-
Enjoy the Art Walk Bucerias.
Part of Bucieras’ charm is its connection to the local culture and its hip artist community. From November to April – each Thursday evening, local galleries open their doors for two hours for the famous self-guided walking tour known as the Bucerias Art Walk in the Golden Zone or Bucerias Art District.
-
Check Out the Amazing Humpback Whales.
Banderas Bay, Bucerias offers an ideal place to whale watch, with peak season from mid-December to the end of March. The humpbacks are only temporary visitors from northern coastal US and Canadian waters. Being able to watch this extraordinary sight up close is humbling and incredible. During the season, there are a variety of tours that depart daily from-
- Marina Riviera Nayarit.
- Nuevo Vallarta & Marina Vallarta.
- A Humpback Whale Research Adventure Tour and more.
-
Try Kiteboarding on the Pacific Coast.
Whether you are a novice or a seasoned kiteboarder, Bucerias is the place to be for world-class water adventures – from beginner to expert. The windy season [check the Windy. App for current conditions] is typically from February – June, with the International Kiteboarding Competition hosted in May. Most kiteboarding lessons begin just after noon when the wind starts to blow intensely.
-
Take in the Unmatched Pacific Sunsets
Many beaches are crowded at sunset, where the sky creates a dazzling array of colors and sights that are only matched by sunsets found in places like Key West. While the waves crash, sunset viewers become hypnotized by the yellow, then orange orb as it falls below the horizon. The sky displays a stunning yet dramatic palette of changing colors, which is among the best Bucerias has to offer. Check out one of the local beach bars to drink a potent potable while you watch the fiery display.
Photo – Steven Sperlo
-
Experience the Bucerias Golden Zone
The Golden Zone – a.k.a. Zona Dorada, is the arts district along Lazaro Cardenas Street, where the local boutiques and bars of Centro or downtown connect to the beach by a pedestrian bridge. In the Golden Zone, check out the great selection of quaint or upscale restaurants offering fresh local seafood dishes like ceviche, zarandeado-style fish, and agua chile.
-
Go Beach Horseback Riding at Sunset
On any day in Bucerias, you can find an inexpensive horse to ride on the beautiful beaches. These rides are especially unforgettable if done as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean horizon. While more formal tours go through the mountains or nearby jungles, a simple beach ride is relatively cost-effective and an excellent choice for a family or date night.
-
Relax on Playa Bucerias
Playa Bucerias is the five-mile beach that is the shining star of Bucerias – a long stretch with soft sand and calm, swimmable ocean waters with ideal weather conditions – during the right season. The shore is also lined with a variety of amenities and activities – kitesurfing, windsurfing, and foil skysurfing from nearby resorts, markets, and beach restaurants. Other nearby beaches include –
-
Tour a Chocolate Plantation
The tropical cocoa tree is native to Mexico, and the chocolate plantation – Planeta Cacao in Rivera Nayarit- is a must-see only ten minutes from Bucerias. The tour includes a visual history/heritage of the cocoa bean as part of Mexican history. It includes an interactive lesson on how to make artisan chocolate from scratch (including picking and shelling the cacao beans). In the end, everyone enjoys the fruits of their labor by enjoying Mexican brownies, chocolate ice water, and fudge.
-
Indulge Delicious Authentic Mexican Seafood Tacos
After a sun-kissed day on the beach, nothing beats a fish taco made fresh from the day’s catch. El Rinconcito de Ensenada is a little taco heaven about a block from the beach. The seafood (red snapper, mahi mahi, marlin, sea bass, parrot fish, and more) served on the Bucerias coast is simple and traditional, boasting flavor, and relatively reasonable in price – all amid outdoor seating options.
-
Get to Know Bucerias on the Bike & Food Tour
Take one of the various bike and food tours offered in Bucerias – from beer/wine to customized tours; there is something for every foodie in your travel group or family. This sightseeing and food adventure – where you will learn more than you think – explores the many favorite local spots and highlights the countryside and the Sierra Madre mountains – topped off by a food and beverage tasting.
-
Enjoy a Waterpark Adventure
Witbit Mex, on Banderas Bay, offers a variety of inflatables, walkways, curves, bridges, rope towers, slides, and bouncy houses for everyone to navigate in the sun. Although you must be able to swim, kids as young as four (with lifejackets) can enjoy this incredible fun-in-the-sun adventure – where trained lifeguards watch daily.
-
Learn to Cook Authentic Mexican Cuisine
At My Mexican Kitchen in Bucerias, you can learn how to create some of Mexican culture’s most traditional and classic dishes. Depending on the day, you can learn how to make mushroom quesadillas, Adobo chicken tostadas, seafood specialties, and a variety of salsas. Classes are typically limited to under ten, and the price per person is well within most budgets.
-
Practice/Perfect your Bartering Skills at the Flea Market
The Mercado de Bucerias is among the attractions that is a unique and memorable experience for most people. The flea market is open daily and offers every trinket and souvenir you could ever imagine – many handmade locally by residents and local artists and vendors. Bartering or negotiating is part of the fun – so don’t be afraid to make an offer below the seller’s price as your starting point.
-
Try a Zip Line with Ocean Views
For an incredible adventure in the Riviera Nayarit, choose one of the longest ziplines in Banderas Bay with the most spectacular ocean and rainforest nature preserve (home to all types of wildlife like macaws and wild boars) views above the canopy. The cost includes roundtrip transportation options from various area pick-up locations – and also has a tequila tasting at the end.
-
Learn to Surf the Pacific Coast
The Pacific Coast that hugs this part of Mexico is a well-known area for surfing lovers. So, if you have always wanted to learn how to surf, check out the three-hour lessons (with roundtrip transportation) on Riviera Nayarit (or Playa La Lancha or Punta de Mita), which are ideal for novice surfers due to the Surf line and yearly forecast that offers long, gentle surf rides.
-
Visit El Eden Botanical Garden
El Eden Botanical Garden is a unique – free-of-charge attraction that is truly a tropical paradise. This botanical garden is located in Sierra Cuale’s green jungle – only 180 meters above sea level. This oasis, which is a great place to wander in the area’s lush acreage, is a chance to take a refreshing dip in a natural pool (formed by the Misamaloya River) or check out nearby waterfalls and rock slides for those who prefer a more daring approach to cooling off in the Mexican sun.
-
Visit the El Cora Crocodile Sanctuary
El Cora Crocodile Sanctuary is a 20-minute ride from Bucerias. This research facility and sanctuary are deep in El Quelele Estuary’s mangrove forest. The guided tours – led by biologists and veterinarians, are about 60 minutes and require about a mile walk, during which you can see crocodiles of all sizes.
-
Visit the Church dedicated to Our Lady of Peace – Señora de la Paz
Our Lady of Peace is the patron saint in many Spanish-speaking cultures as she represents an invocation in which the Virgin Mary is recognized. La Senora de la Paz, which is an example of Mexican architecture, is opposite the town’s main square – Plaza de Armas, and offers a chance to stroll beautiful gardens, palm trees, etc.
